1. His friend Charlene asks Lonny if he uses the medicine wheel. What is the medicine wheel? How does it apply to different elements of this novel?

2. Joe Dakotah runs a sweat lodge. How is it used in healing? What might Lonny experience in a sweat lodge?

3. What are the stages of grieving? How do Alex's and Lonny's behavior correspond with these stages? Are their reactions to their losses realistic?

4. Who was Chief Seattle? Find and read his whole speech. How is it applicable to themes in Bone Dance?

5. Explore changing definitions of the family. How many different kinds of families are there in Bone Dance? What are their strengths? Their weaknesses? What do they teach us about the idea of family?

6. Is it appropriate for a non-native person to write about native spirituality?

There is a great deal of literature...